What is the right sort of exercise equiment for the morbidly obese?

Question

Don't waste your time with the old saw about pushing away from the dinner table. I know about that.

I remember a Nordic Track skiing machine from years ago, where you could stand upright and if you stopped moving, you would still be stable and not fall over. I can't deal with tread mills for that reason. Nordic Track has been redesigned since I tried it in the mid-1990s.

So what would work that won't be too horribly expensive, and wouldn't require I get down near the floor, like a rowing machine? Are there stationary bikes with extra wide seats, like a tractor seat?

Walking outdoors becomes more of a problem with the icy streets. I walk with a cane. That's why I want an exercise machine I can use inside. And since riding the bus is also a hassle, and for other reasons, I don't want to go to a gym. It really has to be at home or I just won't do it.

When you talk of jogging and running, it's clear you don't appreciate the problem. I have arthritis, and even walking is at my limit. I walk maybe half a block before I have to stop and catch my breath. I appreciate that you mean well, but the term "morbidly obese" is real: it can kill you.

Maybe I'll get a tai chi video or something.

Answer 1

If you have the money to spend, I recommend elliptical machines. They are far less impact than walking so they are better for the joints and it moves with your body weight, not on it's own. So when you stop it stops.
I've had some medical problems with my knees and hips so I know how some things just aren't ideal, no matter what anyones says. And while I understand the importance of cardio and weights (as some people mentioned) I'm a single mom with 2 kids and hardly have time on a regular basis to do all that.

I have had many family members who were obese and morbidly obese and some people just don't understand that telling you to eat better and just get some hand weights and walk more isn't going to work to get you moving regularly and be motivated about it.

Best thing to start getting the weight off now, is get a elliptical and put it in front of a TV, make room for it in your living room even if you have to move out the couch. Then when you would normally be sitting and watching TV, get on the elliptical for as long as you can. Until you work your way up to 30 minutes a day. You'll see results fast enough to stick with it and once you are on a roll (and it's warmer) you can add walking outside and using weights to your routine. Before you add weights though, I'd recommend a Physical Trainer. My mother was one for 8 years or so, and once you are ready they will show you have to burn weight off even faster, but safely.

Best to you.

Answer 2

Morbidly Obese Exercise

Answer 3

You can get a stationary bike - check the weight rating on it first - and then go to a bike store for a "touring seat" which are available in larger sizes (like tractor size).
You could also get a Nordic Track off Ebay in the old style - though I would check the limits on those with a question to Nordic Track themselves - you do use those wooden ski things and so there is a limit there as well.
I would strongly recommend walking. You can walk and swing your arms around a little and it will burn some calories just fine. Then work up to taking little jogging or running spurts every once in a while during your walk - sprint until you are losing your breath, then walk until you get it back, then run a little bit again - you can alternate that.
Also there are aerobics tapes and DVDs that work as starter tapes when they are designed for people who are elderly or beginner level - you can get some 2 pound free weights and just ease along to the routine and eventually you will be able to do all the stuff they are doing - and when you can, just get a newer, harder tape!

Answer 4

There is no equipment available for you I'm afraid.

The more you put off doing exercise due to this reason or that reason and the more you try and buy a new exercise machine to replace your old one because it's not making you lose weight, the more you won't lose weight/get fit.

Stop blaming the machines, start acting and doing something about your weight yourself.

Your body is your machine, and the world is your treadmill, just go for it and give it your best and you'll be amazed at what you can do without stupidly overpriced and heavily marketed exercise machines.

Edit: Apologies if I came across as a bit abrupt and rude, but I didn't know you suffered from athritis. Sorry.

However, the essence of what I say is still there, the only obstacle stopping yourself from exercising is yourself. I dont believe that there are any machines that will be suitable for athritis people.

What I would advise you to do is to maintain a good balanced diet (low fat, high protein/carb, steady calories) and just walk your stairs, if no stairs then walk the length and breadth of your house.
Exercise videos are an excellent idea as well, but the danger of that we're conditioned to watch TV sitting down, and once you're in front of the TV, what are you likely to do?

Answer 5

I actually think the best place to start is by walking. It's simple and you can go much more easily at your own pace. Nordic traks take some coordination. I am fit and find them awkward to use. Treadmills now have a safety key you put on yourself and if you stop, it stops automatically.

Look for good quality used treadmills on places like www.craigslist.org (you can get a great one barely used very often) or at Play it Again Sports and get a good pair of walking shoes.

A stationary bike would be a second choice.

Answer 6

You really don't need a lot of equipment. Just a light set of dumbbells will do. For best results, combine cardio (walking, jogging. running) with resistance (a set of ten reps, an exercise for every major muscle group). After three months of regular exercise you will have an increase in metabolism. You will be burning more calories even when resting. You must burn more calories than you absorb to lose fat.

Answer 7

Can they touch their toes, or get halfway there? Try calisthenics. Good mornings where you stand with your arms straight out to the sides, alternately touch left hand to right foot, right hand to left, bending at the wais and knees. Constant squats in a time period, 15 seconds, or 30, 45, a minute. Passing a medicine ball to a partner, catch and twist to the side, throw, catch and twist to opposite side. For a time period. Maybe jumping jacks. Maybe hopping foot to foot, touching toes on a bench. Etcetera, etcetera...

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Answer 8

well i would say that little stuff to start with im big too and i know its tough so ya little thingd to start with and than work your way up the latter, something like leg weights than maybe a bike, or what ever youre compfortable with! but do some thing! thats the key!

Answer 9

Teach your kids your best sport (or have them educate you on theirs).

Answer 10

Set your personal computer alarm to ring hourly—stand way up for 1 to 5 minutes whenever it goes off.